The grooming process of your Border Collie is not complete without ear and nail care. Border Collies’ ears should be examined regularly since they are particularly attractive to ticks and ear mites. When either of these parasites is found, appropriate treatment should be given.

Your Border Collie’s ears should also be examined regularly for damage. While Border Collies are not as aggressive as some other breeds, they will occasionally get into fights that can produce cuts and abrasions on ears.

They are also extremely active animals and are frequently worked in rough country. Scratches, scrapes, and tears from briars and rough undergrowth are common on the external ears. These wounds should be treated with local antiseptic. If the wounds are severe, take your dog to a veterinarian for treatment.

The ear canal and underside of the external ear should be cleaned as a regular part of your Border Collie’s grooming. A greasy, sometimes smelly, black substance will build up on the inside of the external ear, close to the head. Use a cotton swab to clean the grooves and crevasses of this black matter.

Caution:  Always keep the head of the swab in sight as you clean around the entrance to the ear canal.

Dirt and gunk from the external ear can be packed into the ear canal, increasing the possibility of ear infection. If you think the ear canal needs to be cleaned, ask your veterinarian to take a look at it.

Feet and Nail Care

Border Collies are active dogs and do not typically need their nails trimmed as often as most breeds. However, just to be safe, Border Collies’ feet should be examined regularly. Cuts should be treated immediately since they can lead to infections and greater problems.

Sharp objects, scrap metal, and glass should be removed from your pet’s environment. Anything that can be done to prevent foot damage should be done.

Puppies

Border Collie puppies, on the other hand, should have their nails trimmed regularly, beginning at an early age. Special care should be taken with dewclaws.

The quick:  When trimming, stay clear of the quick. The quick is the only part of the nail with nerves and blood vessels. Cutting into the quick is not only produces blood; it hurts. If your Border Collie associates nail trimming with pain, the next nail trimming session will be extremely difficult, so be careful!

Keep styptic powder at hand, so you can stop the bleeding as soon as possible, in case if you cut into the quick!!